Sunburn & Sun Poisoning Treatment in Canton & Ann Arbor, MI
Dealing with a painful sunburn or sun poisoning symptoms? MI Express Urgent Care is open 7 days a week at our Canton & Ann Arbor locations. Walk in anytime during business hours — no referral required.
Our Convenient Locations
Canton Location
MI Express Urgent Care in Canton
44237 Michigan Ave, Canton, MI 48188
Monday - Friday : 9 AM - 7 PM
Saturday - Sunday : 10 AM - 6 PM
Ann Arbor Location
MI Express Urgent Care in Ann Arbor
80 S Zeeb Rd Unit 101 C, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Monday - Friday : 9 AM - 7 PM
Saturday - Sunday : 10 AM - 6 PM
What Is Sunburn? What Is Sun Poisoning?
Sunburn occurs when ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun damages the outer layers of the skin. Most sunburns cause redness, tenderness, and peeling that resolve on their own within a few days. However, prolonged or intense UV exposure can lead to sun poisoning — a more severe reaction that goes beyond the skin and affects the entire body.
Sun poisoning is not technically a medical diagnosis, but the term is widely used to describe a severe sunburn accompanied by systemic symptoms such as nausea, fever, chills, dizziness, and blistering. It can become serious if left untreated, particularly in children, older adults, and individuals with fair skin.
NOTE: Rapid pulse, fainting, difficulty breathing, or confusion after sun exposure are emergency signs. Call 911 or go to the nearest ER rather than driving to urgent care.
Signs & Symptoms
Knowing whether you have a typical sunburn or the more serious sun poisoning helps you decide when to seek care.
Typical Sunburn Symptoms
- Red, warm, or hot skin to the touch
- Tenderness and pain when the affected area is touched or rubbed
- Swelling in the burned area
- Peeling skin after 3 to 5 days as the body sheds damaged cells
- Mild fatigue or headache
Signs of Sun Poisoning (More Severe)
- Intense redness and blistering across large areas of skin
- Fever, chills, or a feeling of general illness
- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Dehydration — dark urine, dry mouth, and decreased urination
- Rapid pulse or difficulty breathing (go to the ER immediately)
When to Seek Urgent Care for a Sunburn
Many sunburns can be managed at home with cool compresses, aloe vera, and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, you should visit MI Express Urgent Care if:
- Blisters cover a large portion of your body
- You have signs of infection, including pus, increasing redness, or warmth spreading beyond the burn
- You are experiencing nausea, vomiting, fever, or dizziness alongside your sunburn
- Your child has a severe sunburn with blistering or systemic symptoms
- Pain is unmanageable with over-the-counter medications
- The burn area looks infected or is not healing as expected
How MI Express Urgent & Primary Care Treats Sunburn & Sun Poisoning
Our urgent care team provides fast, compassionate care for sunburn patients of all ages. Depending on your symptoms and severity, your treatment plan may include:
- A full skin assessment to determine the degree and extent of the burn
- Wound care and careful draining of blisters if needed
- Prescription topical treatments or oral medications to reduce inflammation and pain
- IV or oral rehydration fluids if dehydration is present
- Fever management and anti-nausea medication
- Detailed home-care instructions and follow-up recommendations
Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room
Most severe sunburns and sun poisoning are treated at urgent care. Certain emergency signs need immediate ER care.
Urgent Care Is Right For You If…
- Blistering over moderate skin areas
- Fever, chills, or nausea with sunburn
- Signs of dehydration from sun exposure
- Infected or non-healing sunburn
- Severe pain not relieved by OTC medication
- Child with significant sunburn and systemic symptoms
Go to the ER If…
- Extremely large areas of deep blistering
- Rapid pulse, fainting, or loss of consciousness
- Difficulty breathing after sun exposure
- Severe neurological symptoms such as confusion
- Signs of anaphylaxis after sun exposure
Sun Safety Tips to Prevent Sunburn
The best sunburn treatment is prevention. Here are key steps to protect yourself and your family this summer:
- Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before going outdoors
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating
- Seek shade during peak UV hours — typically 10 AM to 4 PM
- Wear lightweight, protective clothing including long sleeves, hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses
- Keep infants under 6 months out of direct sunlight entirely
- Stay hydrated with water throughout the day, especially in hot weather
What Our Patients Say About Us
Walk In for Sunburn Treatment at MI Express Urgent Care
Don't let a severe sunburn ruin your summer. Walk into MI Express Urgent Care in Canton or Ann Arbor — no appointment needed. We're open 7 days a week and most patients are seen within an hour. Contact us with any questions.
We Accept Most Health Insurances
Walk-In Sunburn Care in Canton & Ann Arbor
Canton Location
MI Express Urgent Care & Primary Care
44237 Michigan Ave, Canton, MI 48188
Urgent Care: 734-388-4999
Primary Care: 734-339-2661
Mon–Fri: 9AM–7PM | Sat–Sun: 10AM–6PM
Ann Arbor Location
MI Express Urgent Care & Primary Care
80 S Zeeb Rd Unit 101, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Urgent Care: 734-999-3850
Primary Care: 734-212-8443
Mon–Fri: 9AM–7PM | Sat–Sun: 10AM–6PM
More Conditions We Treat at Urgent Care
Open 7 Days a Week! Walk In or Schedule an Appointment!
MI Express Urgent Care in Canton and Ann Arbor, MI, is committed to your health 7 days a week.
Whether you walk in or schedule a visit, we’re here every day to provide the care you need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. MI Express Urgent Care treats mild to severe sunburns, including sun poisoning. Our providers can assess the severity, treat blistering, prescribe medications for pain and inflammation, and address dehydration — all without an ER visit.
Sun poisoning goes beyond typical sunburn. If you have severe blistering, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or feel generally ill in addition to skin redness, you may have sun poisoning and should seek medical care promptly.
Mild sun poisoning symptoms usually improve within 2 to 3 days with proper treatment. Severe cases with extensive blistering or dehydration may take longer to resolve. A medical provider can give you a personalized recovery timeline.
No. Popping sunburn blisters dramatically increases the risk of infection. If blisters are large or painful, visit our urgent care clinic so a provider can address them safely in a sterile environment.
Absolutely. Both our Canton and Ann Arbor locations welcome walk-in patients 7 days a week. No appointment is ever needed for sunburn or sun poisoning treatment.
For mild sunburns with no blistering or systemic symptoms, aloe vera and cool compresses often provide sufficient relief. For severe burns, blistering, or signs of sun poisoning, please visit MI Express Urgent & Primary Care for professional evaluation and treatment.
